Families looking for a fun and inspiring day out this summer will find plenty to enjoy at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (SMAG), in Shropshire.<\/p>\n
Over the summer SMAG will be hosting a huge variety of hands-on creative activities, special events and inspirational exhibitions.<\/p>\n
With free admission to the galleries, affordable workshops and activities, easy access by public transport and a central town location, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery offers a relaxed, family-friendly day out this summer.<\/p>\n
For families wanting to enjoy quality time together over the school summer holidays, there is plenty to discover.<\/p>\n
The galleries are packed with thousands of objects and displays that bring Shropshire\u2019s story to life, from its earliest beginnings through Roman,\u00a0Medieval and Victorian times. Family-friendly exhibits,\u00a0puzzles\u00a0and games help children explore as they go, with hands-on activities including the chance to try on medieval hats and a Roman soldier\u2019s helmet.<\/p>\n
From 4 July to 31\u00a0August,\u00a0SMAG\u00a0will play\u00a0a central role\u00a0in the Shrewsbury Arts Trail 2026,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0a\u00a0host of\u00a0art and sculpture\u00a0by\u00a0internationally recognised artists.\u00a0This year,\u00a0the exhibition\u00a0is curated around\u00a0the\u00a0stunning\u00a0impressionist painting,\u00a0An Ancient Stronghold in France<\/em>\u00a0by Wynford Dewhurst, on loan from Bradford Museums & Galleries, and will also feature a striking large-scale contemporary response commissioned from artist Ian Rayer-Smith.\u00a0The Trail also features the Open Exhibition,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0work by local and regional artists of all backgrounds.<\/p>\n Creative adventures continue with Art Explorers on 28 July and 4 August, giving children age 2-11 the chance to enjoy art activities in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Art Camp follows on 6 August for young people aged 11\u201318, with a full day of drawing, printmaking and mixed media inspired by the museum\u2019s collections.<\/p>\n Get Creative on 14, 21 and 28 August offers children age 5-11 the opportunity to experiment with different materials, develop new skills and enjoy making art in an inspiring environment. Families are invited to celebrate the Festival of Archaeology with local archaeologist, Natasha Harlow \u00a0on 18 July. Plants and People, Past and Future offers attendees a gallery tour, discussion and chance to try the historic skill of making string from plant fibres (suitable for adults and curious minds age 11+). For the costs of each workshop and ticketing details check out Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery \u2013 Shropshire Museums<\/a>.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Museum\u2019s\u00a0family\u00a0friendly\u00a0caf\u00e9 offers\u00a0homemade cakes,\u00a0coffees\u00a0and\u00a0delicious\u00a0brunch options. New\u00a0for\u00a0summer 2026 is\u00a0the\u00a0Summer Sizzle\u00a0barbecue in the\u00a0caf\u00e9 courtyard\u00a0on 4 and 11 July. There is no need to book, just drop in and buy your ticket on the door.<\/p>\n The museum also offers regular events throughout the year for babies, young children and their families. These include the warm and welcoming Museum Babies sessions, specially designed for non-walking babies and their parents and carers, as well as LGBTQ+ at SMAG, a relaxed monthly meet-up on the first Saturday of the month where LGBTQ+ families with young children can enjoy play, chat, coffee and cake together in a friendly and supportive space. Details can be found on the website.<\/p>\n Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council\u2019s portfolio holder for culture, said:<\/p>\n \u201cShrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is a wonderful place for local families and visitors to the county to spend time together, discover something new and enjoy everything the museum has to offer. With free admission to the galleries, affordable workshops and activities, a warm welcome and so much for children and adults to explore, it is a fantastic family-friendly destination at the heart of Shrewsbury.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Admission\u00a0to Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery\u00a0is free, with donations encouraged to support the museum\u2019s\u00a0work. Some activities and workshops are charged for and should be booked in advance.\u00a0The museum is open Tuesday- Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays) from 10am-4pm.<\/p>\n For full details about Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, visit the website<\/a>.<\/p>\n